More International Talent Than Ever
Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival to Celebrate 10 Years in July
Story and photo by Sidney Ulakovic
What started as a sidewalk sale in 2013 has grown into a neighbourhood-wide festival attracting thousands of attendees over the years. This summer, the Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival will celebrate a milestone tenth anniversary with more international acts than ever before.
This year's festivities will take place July 26 and 27 and showcase over 35 performances across stages throughout the weekend. “This year, we’re having the most out-of-town acts that we’ve ever had,” says festival organizer Uriel Lubuk. “Some of the talent’s world class and play all the bigger buskers festivals throughout the country.”
This year’s headliners include Steve Goodtime, known for his signature rock ‘n’ roll circus shows as seen on America’s Got Talent; Seb & Fritzzz, a duo consisting of German fire-whip performer Sebastian “Seb” Whipits and beatboxer DJ Fritzzz; the sword-swallowing and fire-eating extraordinaire Kazimir the Hungry; and award-winning funnyman and professional clown Fraser Hooper.
“We’ve got lots of locals that are going to be here as well,” says Lubuk. “We still want to honour our local talent.” Local acts who have shaped the festival, including the Bay Street Bastards, Taiko Drummers, and Women in Silk, are expected to perform once again at the festival’s tenth anniversary.
In response to the festival’s growing lineup, organizers have decided to extend its operating hours this year. “We’re adding a night element this year,” says Caitlin Jeffs, financial director of Buskers Festival. “There’s always acts that have fire, and it’s just that much more amazing at night.” The event will run four extra hours into the evening this year, now ending at 9 pm. Jeffs says there will be a dedicated seated area with food vendors and a beer tent for attendees to enjoy into the festival’s evening hours.
For more information on this year’s Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival, visit their website buskersfestival.ca.